Shimla-The Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, in its meeting held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, made the following decisions: Commercial Complex in Shimla: The Cabinet approved the construction of a commercial complex with two high-rise buildings (14 and 17 storeys) at Mohal Chotta Shimla, Dehat Shimla, to meet the citys [] The post HP Cabinet Approves 14- and 17-Storey High-Rises in Mohal Chotta Shimla for Modern Administrative and Commercial Hub first appeared on Himachal Watcher .
Pakistan Would Be Wiped Out If It Continued Anti-India Operations: Anurag Thakur
Hamirpur (HP), May 5: Former Union minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur on Monday lashed out at Pakistan for fomenting troubles on the borders and said that if Pakistan continued with such anti-India operations, it would be wiped out. The BJP leaders in Shimla submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner, urging him to immediately identify the Pakistanis living here both legally and illegally and ensure that they are sent back. The BJP workers and leaders also took out a [] The post Pakistan Would Be Wiped Out If It Continued Anti-India Operations: Anurag Thakur appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pakistan would be 'wiped out' if it continued anti-India operations: Anurag Thakur
Anurag Thakur condemned Pakistan for instigating border unrest, warning of its potential obliteration if such actions persist. The BJP in Shimla demanded the identification and repatriation of Pakistani residents, staging protests against the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
A Shimla Municipal Court has ordered the demolition of the remaining two floors of the Sanjauli mosque, citing illegal construction and lack of ownership documentation. BJP MP Anurag Thakur supported the decision, alleging that the Waqf Board failed to provide proof of land ownership and that similar undocumented land occupations by the Waqf Board exist nationwide.
Hailstorm and thundershowers lash Himachal, mercury drops sharply
SHIMLA, May 4: Himachal Pradesh witnessed a sharp shift from the ongoing heatwave as widespread thundershowers, hailstorms, and strong winds lashed several parts of the state, disrupting normal life and bringing down temperatures significantly. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), hailstorms and thundershowers affected districts like Shimla, Kangra, Chamba, and Kullu, reducing visibility and causing inconvenience to residents and tourists alike. The State Disaster Management Authority also issued an advisory as gusty winds touched speeds of 50 kmph in [] The post Hailstorm and thundershowers lash Himachal, mercury drops sharply appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
INTERVIEW| Muslims neednt be politically organised in name of religion
After the split in the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama in 1989, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar has been engaged in efforts to empower the community by establishing various institutions, almost single-handedly. His son, Muhammad Abdul Hakeem Azhari, the managing director of Knowledge City, is keeping that tradition alive. Though rooted deeply in religion, Azhari is of the view that there is no need for Muslims to be politically organised in the name of religion. Speaking to TNIE, he also dismissed the relevance of political Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and underlined the importance of harmony and coexistence. Excerpts You have been elected the state president of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS). And the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama is celebrating its centenary in 2026. What were the objectives of Samastha and how far has it succeeded in achieving the aims over the past century? Samastha was established to protect the beliefs and customs of Muslims in Kerala and to oppose deviant sects like the Wahhabis. By the grace of Allah, we could accomplish the task. The opponents activities couldnt win the support of even 5% of the Muslims in Kerala. But there have been instances of some people seeking fatwa from the Wahhabi scholars in Saudi Arabia? Sunnis in Kerala seek fatwa only from the Samastha. Only people who know the situation of society can issue a fatwa. Salafis in Kerala ask fatwa from the Salafi scholars. It isnt binding on Sunnis and Sunnis arent influenced. Theres an argument that Sunnis in Kerala are being influenced by Wahhabism, especially in matters like wearing purdah? Purdah and pants are changes that happen naturally with the changes in fashion. What is there in Islam is hijab, which means to cover. There are different hijabs in various parts of the country. Things are different in Kerala because of its affinity to the Gulf. Is there a need for Muslims to be politically united? We dont believe that Muslims should be politically organised in the name of religion. Samastha doesnt keep permanent ties with any political party. Theres a general belief that IUML represents the entire Muslim community in Kerala That too is just a perception. The IUML is a political party and a majority of its cadre are Muslims. There are Muslims in the Congress, communist parties, and even in the BJP. There was a time when IUML leaders would tell the community that they wouldnt go to heaven if they didnt vote for the ladder symbol of the IUML These are speeches of some people and not the official stand. There was no such belief. What should be counted is the stand of organisations like Samastha, Mujahid, or Jamaat. Theres a practice that the opinion of an individual in Islamic attire is taken as that of the community. That needs to be corrected. Jamaat-e-Islami is an organisation that had been sidelined by Kerala Muslims until recently. But Panakkad Syed Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal has said that Jamaat-e-Islami should also be included in the fight against fascism. Do you agree? I dont know whether Thangal has said so. Anyway, Samasthas stand is that Sunnis should stand separately. Around 90% of Kerala Muslims are Sunnis. Organisations like the Jamaat should be kept separate. It is dangerous to include them. Theres a perception that the Kanthapuram group is closer to the CPM There was a time when we were engaged in a fight with the other group. It may have created such a perception. We have given support to all parties. There was a controversy recently when a Muslim cleric criticised a woman over an Instagram post related to her Shimla trip... There was such an Instagram post and a person made a speech. We should address an idea rather than discussing a piece from the speech of a person. The discussion should be on what Islam says on the issue. Is there any ban on a woman travelling like that? That should be the question. There is no ban in Islam on travel. The stand that women shouldnt travel alone is not the position of Islam alone. Even the film artists association, AMMA, had said that women actors shouldnt travel alone. Such policies will be there considering security and there is a policy in Islam too. It says that it isnt safe for women to travel alone. We are discussing this issue at a time when Sunita Williams has undertaken a space journey Sunita Williams was not alone and she is not a Muslim. We should remember that security systems are not put in place anticipating that attacks will always happen. There are CCTV cameras here too. Nothing would have happened in the past hundred years. But they are installed because something may happen somewhere. But now many women are getting educated and working. Should they be barred from doing so? No. Who is barring them? Islam has laid down a policy and those who agree to it follow it. No one can insist that everybody should follow the rule. Such discussions have happened in the backdrop of a home birth in Malappuram. Whats your stand on the issue? Islam does not stipulate that delivery should be at home. It only states that delivery should happen in a safe environment. Theres a line of thinking in Europe that home is more hygienic compared to hospitals. Shouldnt a woman have a say in deciding where the delivery happens? Certainly, she has the right and I have no right to deny it. A woman can decide that she can have the delivery at home, but the family members can suggest that the hospital is a better place. It can be the other way round too. The husband can deny. A few recent cases have been like that... Such a thing shouldnt happen. The womans interest should get priority. Samastha had passed a resolution in the past that women need not learn to write... It was not confined to Samastha. At the time, the situation was the same with the Hindu and Christian communities. Muslims in Kerala had evolved an alphabet even before such a thing appeared in Malayalam. They wrote Malayalam using the Arabic alphabet. The British Library has more than a thousand books written in Arabic Malayalam. There are books on botany that run into around 6,000 pages in 12 volumes. Well-studied women were there at that time too. My mother and grandmother used to read books. So, there is no point in discussing one dictum that came out at a specific point in time. Muslim girls have scaled new heights in education and so have women from other communities. Mujahids claim that their efforts brought in a revolution in womens education and that the Sunnis have only imitated them... It was the Mujahids who stood in the way of Muslim womens education. It was Sheikh Zainudeen Makhdoom and his family that promoted education. And it was Samastha that carried the efforts forward. We have more than 300 schools and several colleges. Now, there is Knowledge City and various online platforms that promote education. Mujahids said they should only be worried about thouheed and shirk. Sunni women received education from their homes. But Mujahids said women should go to mosques instead of studying at home. Whats your stand on cooperating with those governing the country? Kanthapuram and yourself have visited Narendra Modi and Amit Shah We have visited Pinarayi Vijayan and Oommen Chandy too. Isnt there a difference in meeting Modi and Shah who are perceived as the enemies of Indian Muslims We dont consider anyone as enemies. The Islamic principle is to cooperate with the rulers. It is the Prime Minister who comes to inaugurate the metro in Kerala. Whats the link between CPM and BJP there? The ruler is the ruler of all the people. I cannot say I dont consider a person as the Prime Minister. Theres a narrative that BJP is isolating and torturing Muslims in India In politics, there will be a feeling that different communities are being isolated at different points in time. We have always opposed such tendencies. We never compromised with the politics of division and segregating people in the name of religion, culture, food, and dress. But we never said there shouldnt be any cooperation with governments. But the position of organisations such as Jamaat-e-Islami is totally different... Jamaat isnt a subject that needs to be discussed at great length. They constitute less than one percent of Muslims in Kerala. Jamaat-e-Islamis argument that Muslims should stand united at a time when theres an increasing attack on Muslims in India is getting wide currency We should examine whether the torture of Muslims started after the advent of organisations like the Jamaat or before that. Muslims lived here before that and there were no issues. Hindus and Muslims jointly fought against the Portuguese. There was no issue when we followed the Sunni line and mingled with people of other faiths. Non-Muslims embraced Islam in India through Ajmer Khwaja the most. No Hindu living around Ajmer has any grouse against Khwaja even now. They actively participate in the festivals there. Non-vegetarian food is not cooked in the vessels there, considering the sentiments of the Hindus. Mamburam Thangals secretary was Konthu Nair and Choyi was the secretary of Veliyamkode Umar Khazi. Islam envisages a culture of peaceful coexistence. Nerchas are examples of such a culture. The deviant sects (like the Jamaat and Mujahids) wanted to end the nerchas. The mutual distance began from there. Whats needed is the re-establishment of that coexistence. Are you saying that it was the emergence of political Islamists like Jamaat-e-Islami that led to the intensification of religious enmity? It is generally understood that those who are against pluralistic festivals are divisive. But it was Jamaat and other organisations that first stepped in to launch agitations on issues like the CAA or the Waqf Bill. Naturally, wont there be a feeling within the community that these organisations represent their sentiments? These organisations are trying to create an impression that the issues will be solved only through agitations and that the issue pertains only to Muslims. By doing so, they are trying to win the support of a few people. This is an issue concerning the nation and the Constitution. Our policy is that Muslims alone shouldnt stage an agitation. Carrying the photos of Hasan al Banna and Sayyid Qutb in these agitations is dangerous. That amounts to saying that their ideology is that of Muslim Brotherhood. Theres a perception that IUML is increasingly coming under the influence of political islamist groups like Jamaat... The EK Samastha knows IUML better. So, it would be better if you ask them. All four Sunni organisations have been working closely in recent times. Is there any possibility of a merger? It is not imperative but not impossible either. There may be differences in organisational or educational policies. Sunnis are working closely, as you said. There are no major issues among them, barring minor organisational problems. There was a joint conference of various Sunni organisations in Mangaluru recently and a similar meeting is going to be held in Kochi. You said nerchas are an assimilation of Indian culture. But some IUML ministers have shown reluctance to light the traditional lamp Muslims always follow the culture of the land they spread out to. But Muslims will never accept the practices of other religions nor would they ask others to follow Muslim practices. Mingling is possible in cultural programmes. Lighting of the traditional lamp is a Hindu practice, which I believe is related to Shiva and Parvathi. Communist ministers, who dont have faith, lighting the lamp is also improper. You said there are attempts to create a division between Muslims and Christians. There were discussions on narcotic jihad, love jihad, and halal... We understand that these discussions provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about Islam. Islam grows whenever there are controversies. More people embraced Islam in the year Babri Masjid was demolished and more people came to Islam in Europe when there was a controversy over a caricature in Denmark. Recently, after the incidents in Gaza, more and more people are getting converted to Islam. Controversies are good for Islam. You made a comment against giving 50% reservation to women in local bodies. You said men are actually ruling even when women are in the chair. But women have proved their calibre and efficiency in many fields... Recently, there was a discussion on giving 50% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha. When the BJP said it will be implemented in the next elections, the Congress said it should be implemented immediately. Why cant the Congress implement it immediately, at least internally. Is there enough representation for women in CPM committees? That was the situation prevalent in our society. Nobody was ready to educate women or to bring them forward. While it is true that such a situation existed in every community earlier, to give a religious base for discrimination is a different matter. For example, some quote the hadith that never shall a people prosper who make a woman their ruler... The reason behind this is that it will lead to a decrease in population. How can there be deliveries if women are given additional duties? Countries like Russia, North Korea and China are facing the problem of decreasing population. M K Stalin told the people of Tamil Nadu that they are moving towards a geriatric society. Islam stated this position much earlier. There are rare women like Indira Gandhi. There are women who can climb coconut palms or drive bulldozers. General policies are not based on rare individuals. I stated that there is a shadow rule in panchayats because I heard such things from politicians. A woman is the president in my panchayat, but it is her husband who is the de facto ruler. IUML hasnt been in power for the past nine years. Do you think there is any loss for the Muslim community because of IUMLs absence from power? The Muslim community in Kerala does not get much from any government. In states like Karnataka, the minority department and the Waqf Board are liberally sanctioning funds. Was it so even when IUML was in power? I think thats primarily because IUML was in power (smiles). In Andhra Pradesh, where Muslims constitute 11%, the community gets 10% representation in government jobs. In Kerala, though the Muslims are 30%, they dont have even half the due representation. There is no particular benefit for Muslims because of IUML. The educational developments in Kerala are the contributions of Samastha and MES. One of the reasons for the split in Samastha was Kanthapurams declaration that religious organisations neednt be subservient to political parties. Are the current problems in the EK Samastha due to political subservience? That needs to be studied in depth. It should be examined whether it is because of the IUML leaderships refusal to give importance to EK Samastha as it did earlier or because the Samastha started taking decisions independently. Anyway, it is not proper for a religious body to become the tail of a political party. Theres a discussion on social media that time has proved the decision Kanthapuram took in 1989 to be the correct one? Let the media other than social media say something about that. I dont want to comment on that. Samastha should stand apart because it is an organisation of religious scholars. All other organisations come under it. Earlier, people outside Malabar used to think IUML and Samastha are one. Now we know Samastha has an identity of its own That may be because there were more Sunnis in IUML and many of them worked for the party. IUML presidents were all Sunnis, barring a few in the beginning. There are allegations that the Wahhabi influence in IUML is increasing, which is said to be the reason for the IUML-Samastha rift... Wahhabis have been people of politics from the beginning. They will try to infiltrate politics in every place. This happened in Saudi Arabia. The Sunni community was disinterested in politics in the past, but now, they are showing deep interests in politics (not electoral politics). And the benefits are visible in society. How do you assess the LDF government? All governments in Kerala perform well compared to other states. At the same time, the allocation for the development of minorities is low here, maybe because of a lack of funds. We undertake our activities with donations from the public. During the run up to the 2021 assembly elections, you said the LDF government should continue because it was carrying out development work What I said was that continuity of government would be beneficial for development. Projects get struck halfway due to continuous changes in government. Continuity of government may have its demerits. Whats your assessment of Pinarayi Vijayan as the chief minister? He is a chief minister with good commanding power and a person with humility. There are some ex-Muslim groups operating in Kerala, which are very critical of Islam. How do you perceive them? If a sweeper is removed from his job, he will never call himself an ex-sweeper. But a former minister is fond of being called an ex-minister. The term ex-Islam is the greatest sign of the relevance of the religion. An ex-Muslim gets recognition because he is from a relevant religion. Otherwise, he shouldnt have used the term. Dont you think religion should welcome changes that happen with the development of science? Certainly. Samastha is an organisation that accepts it at the first instance. Samastha will never oppose science. It never opposed vaccines or medical treatment. TNIE team: Cithara Paul, M P Prashanth, Rajesh Ravi, Anna Jose, Abdul Nazer M A, Harikrishna B. A Sanesh (photos) Pranav V P (video)
Shimla MC court orders demolition of remaining 2 floors of 5-storey Sanjauli mosque
Sanjauli mosque to be demolished, orders Shimla MC court
A section of residents of Sanjauli and Hindu outfits had launched an agitation to press for the demolition of the mosque, claiming that it was unauthorised but no action was taken by the Corporation during the past 15 years.
Shimla municipal commissioner court orders demolition of two more floors of Sanjauli mosque
CHANDIGARH: The Court of the Municipal Commissioner has ordered the demolition of two additional floors of the mosque in the Sanjauli area of Shimla, following a similar order issued last year for the demolition of three floors of the same mosque. This decision was made after the Waqf Board failed to present the mosques revenue records during the court hearing. The Waqf Boards lawyer argued that the mosque originally existed before 1947 and was rebuilt after being demolished. However, Commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri questioned why the necessary permissions, including architectural plans, were not obtained from the municipal corporation for the reconstruction. MC Commissioner Attri ruled that the mosque had been built without the required approvals, including a building permit, a no-objection certificate, and a sanctioned map, all in violation of municipal regulations. He ordered the demolition of the lower two floors, in addition to the three floors previously ordered to be demolished in October last year. VHP warns of mass movement if Sanjauli mosque is not demolished in 15 days Jagat Pal, the lawyer representing local residents who had sought the demolition of the mosque, stated that the Waqf Board failed to produce documents proving ownership of the land and the sanctioned building plan. Following this, the Court of the Municipal Commissioner, Bhupender Kumar Attri, passed the demolition order. There is also a related matter pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which is scheduled for hearing on May 8. Earlier, on October 5 last year, the Commissioners Court had ordered the demolition of three floors of the Sanjauli mosque, he said. Advocate B. S. Thakur, representing the Waqf Board, said that a detailed order is still awaited. The Commissioners Court has pronounced the order, holding that the construction at the mosque site was illegal. The Sanjauli Mosque Committee had demolished the original mosque and erected a new structure without obtaining the required permissions from the concerned authorities, including the Municipal Corporation and the Estate Office. The court has not commented on the ownership of the land, which belongs to the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board. We are waiting for the detailed order to decide the next course of action, he said. The Himachal Pradesh High Court had directed the Municipal Commissioner to decide the case within three months, by May 8. The Commissioners Court passed the order after hearing both parties.
Shimlas Sanjauli Mosque Unauthorised, Municipal Commissioner Court Orders Buildings Demolition
The advocate appearing for the Waqf Board had argued that the mosque existed prior to 1947 and the mosque was constructed after demolishing the old mosque.
Sanjauli Mosque to be demolished, orders Shimla municipal commissioner court
The Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner's Court has ordered the demolition of the Sanjauli Mosque, declaring all five stories unauthorized. This decision follows a long-standing dispute and agitation by local residents and Hindu organizations. The Waqf Board failed to provide necessary ownership and building plan documents, leading to the court's order after a High Court directive to resolve the case.
Tourists cancel Kashmir bookings, shift to Himachal after Pahalgam attack fallout
CHANDIGARH: Tourists now prefer vacationing in Himachal Pradesh over Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons were killed. Approximately 15-20% of both domestic and international bookings have shifted from Kashmir to Himachal's popular destinations including Manali, Shimla and Dharamshala; however, the surge in footfall is not as expected as tourists have adopted a 'wait-and-watch' policy amid prevailing uncertainties and hostilities between India and Pakistan. Ashwani Bamba, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Kangra, told TNIE that, after the terror attack, tour operators and potential tourists inquired for booking in Himachal and Uttarakhand and that they expected the surge to be significant. But, actually only 15-20% of tourists shifted from J&K to Himachal and the rest probably prefer to not venture out during this summer season owing to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Thus, the occupancy of hotels across the state at present is around 40% only, the same as last year. Bookings that were shifted were that of tourist groups traveling from Maharashtra, Gujarat and other states, not the immediate bookings in Kashmir which had gotten cancelled, he said. Bamba added that, in Himachal, Manali had the maximum number of shifted bookings at about 20%, while Dharamsala, Dalhousir and Shimla had much fewer. He said that advance bookings had already been made for the IPL matches in Dharamsala. Kashmir tourism stumbles after Pahalgam terror attack, but industry leaders remain hopeful Mohinder Seth, president of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Stakeholders Association, said that tourists are adopting a wait and watch policy due to India-Pakistan tensions. On everyone's mind, there is only one question: What will the Union government do in the coming days? The common is just waiting for that. There were a lot of inquiries after the unfortunate incident as people got diverted from the Kashmir Valley, but the actual number of bookings are very less. In May, generally, there is about 30-40% occupancy across the state, after May 15 we are expecting that it may touch 60-70% as advance bookings are already been done, he said. This tragedy not only upended the tourism sector in Kashmir, but has also impacted the neighboring states of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Ex-President of Manali Hotel Association Mukesh Thakur said that after terror attack there was lot of expectation that the tourist rush will shift to Himachal and lot of queries had also come. But the number of booking which are less as, first, the tourists have to get their booking cancelled and take a refund and then again they will think where to go. Already as predicted that the summers will be hot this year so already there are lot of booking done in advance as far as Manali is concerned. At present around 30-40% occupancy in the hotels here and after May 15 as summer intensifies the occupancy is expected to touch more than 80% as already people have booked. Also is expected that in coming days more online bookings will be done. The tourism industry contributes 7.78 per cent to the GDP of the hill state. As per the Economic Survey report for Himachal Pradesh for 2024-25, the number of domestic visitors increased to 1.8 crore in 2024 from 56.32 lakh in 2021 while the surge in foreign tourists was 83,000 in 2024 from 5000 in 2021. On the other hand the tourism industry contributes 7.2 per cent to the GDP of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rain, Lightning Strikes Kill 7 In North India; 200 Flights Delayed, J&K Highway Closed
New Delhi/Gurugram/Chandigarh/Lucknow/Shimla, May 2: Torrential rain lashed north India, including the Delhi-NCR, early Friday, leading to at least seven people dying, uprooting over 100 trees, and delaying more than 200 flights. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was blocked after the rain caused a landslide. A 28-year-old woman and her three children were killed when their house in southwest Delhis Najafgarh area collapsed after a tree fell on it. Police and fire department officers pulled the family out of the rubble and [] The post Rain, Lightning Strikes Kill 7 In North India; 200 Flights Delayed, J&K Highway Closed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ranbir Kapoor's Sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni Confirms Her Bollywood Debut. Details Inside
Riddhima Kapoor is shooting in Shimla
20 injured after pick-up truck overturns in Himachal's Chamba
SHIMLA: At least 20 people sustained injuries on Tuesday after a pick-up truck they were travelling in overturned on the Chamba-Langera link road in Chamba district, police said. The accident took place near Shirvas village when the driver of the pick-up truck lost control of the vehicle, they said. Police rescued the injured persons with the help of the locals and shifted them to the civil hospital in Killar, from where some with serious injuries were referred to the Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba, officials said.
Himachal Pradesh, known as the 'snowy mountains,' is experiencing an unusual heat wave, prompting an alert across several districts. Temperatures in popular tourist destinations like Shimla and Manali have surged above normal, with Una exceeding 41C. The Meteorological Centre forecasts the heat wave to persist in Una, Kullu, and Mandi until April 30, with potential thunderstorms expected in early May.
Pakistan continues ceasefire violations along LoC for fourth consecutive night
There is no let-up in border tensions between India and Pakistan, as Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) for the fourth consecutive night, opening unprovoked fire on army posts in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara and Poonch districts. On the night of April 27-28, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara (north Kashmir) and Poonch (Jammu region), an army official said. Indian troops responded swiftly with appropriate small arms fire, though no casualties or injuries were reported on either side. This marks the fourth consecutive night that Pakistani troops have breached the ceasefire and fired on Indian army posts along the LoC. Over the past three nights, Pakistani forces have targeted army posts in the Valley, with the most recent attack extending into the Poonch district. The firing incidents come just days after militants attacked tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam , killing 25 tourists and a local resident. Following the attack, troops deployed along the LoC have been placed on the highest level of alertness. The highest level of alertness means troops have been directed to give a befitting reply to any ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops. They have been instructed not to hold back and respond effectively to foil all enemy designs, the official added. While the LoC and International Border (IB) had remained calm since India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in February 2021, the recent uptick in ceasefire violations has raised concerns about the stability of the agreement. As tensions escalate, residents of border areas have begun repairing and cleaning their underground bunkers, while some are hurriedly harvesting crops to prepare for any further escalation. Tensions between India and Pakistan have heightened following the deadly terrorist attack. Security agencies have ramped up their efforts to track down those responsible for the attack. India has taken a series of stringent actions against Pakistan, including the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, the suspension of the over six-decade-old Indus Waters Treaty, and the immediate closure of the Attari land-transit post. These decisions were made on Wednesday following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who pledged that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their ackers behind the deadly Pahalgam attack. In retaliation, Pakistan has suspended all bilateral agreements with India, including the 1972 Simla Agreement. Social activist shot dead in J-K's Kupwara four days after Pahalgam attack Meanwhile, police have released sketches of three suspects believed to be involved in the Pahalgam attack. The suspects are identified as Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, both from Pakistan, and Adil Hussain Thoker, a resident of Anantnag district. A reward of Rs 20 lakh has been announced for credible information leading to their arrest. Additionally, in South Kashmir, security forces have demolished the homes of three more suspected terrorists, bringing the total number of houses demolished to nine since the Pahalgam attack. The properties belong to Adnan Shafi Dar (Shopian), Amir Nazir (Pulwama), and Jameel Ahmad (Bandipora). In response to India's actions, Pakistan has put the 1972 Shimla Agreement on hold and closed its airspace to Indian carriers. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while supporting a decisive fight against terrorism, cautioned against actions that might alienate innocent people in the region. The people of Kashmir have openly condemned terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians. Its time to build on this support but avoid any misplaced actions that could harm innocent lives. Punish the guilty, but ensure innocent people are not caught in the crossfire, Abdullah stated on X. (With inputs from Online Desk) 'Anytime, anywhere': Indian Navy shares visuals of missile tests, claims to be combat-ready
SRINAGAR: Authorities here have demolished the houses of three alleged active terrorists in Bandipora, Pulwama and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir as security forces continued their crackdown on the terror ecosystem following the Pahalgam terror attack . With this, nine houses of suspected terrorists and overground workers of terror outfits have been razed so far since the April 22 attack in the lush meadows of Baisaran that killed 26 people and left the nation grief-stricken and fuming. As part of the anti-terror crackdown, that picked up more steam after the Pahalgam tragedy, security forces have raided more than 500 locations in the Valley in just five days and grilled hundreds of suspects. Political parties have urged the Centre to ensure that innocent people are not targeted while it goes after terrorists. Carrying on with the targeted demolition drive, authorities pulled down the house of Adnan Shafi at Wandina in Shopian district on Saturday night, officials said and claimed that Shafi had joined terrorist ranks last year. The house of another suspected active terrorist Amir Nazir was pulled down in Pulwama district, they said. In Bandipora district, the house of suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, Jameel Ahmad Shergojri, was razed. Officials said Shergojri has been an active terrorist since 2016. Houses of two LeT terrorists linked to Pahalgam attack destroyed in blast With security agencies launching a massive operation against the terror ecosystem active in Jammu and Kashmir, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said the Centre should proceed carefully and avoid alienating innocent people while hunting down terrorists. The Indian government must tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians following the recent Pahalgam attack. It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror, she said in a post on X. The Government of India must tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians following the recent Pahalgam attack. It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror. There are reports of thousands being arrested and scores of Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 27, 2025 The former chief minister alleged there were reports of housands being arrested and scores of houses of common Kashmiris being demolished along with those of militants. I appeal to the government to direct the authorities to take care that innocent people are not made to bear the brunt as alienation aids terrorists' goals of division and fear, she added. Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also asked the Centre not to punish innocent Kashmiris in its quest for justice for the victims of the terror attack. While the Kashmiris collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos of houses and neighbourhoods being demolished circulating on social media is disturbing and distressing. I urge the authorities that in seeking justice for the innocent victims do not punish innocent Kashmiri families, he said on X. While Kashmiris collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of demolition of houses and neighbourhoods, is disturbing and distressing. I urge the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) April 27, 2025 People's Conference leader Sajad Lone said those handling law and order should not do anything that can reverse the mindset that has changed after the Pahalgam attack. The mass protests against the Pahalgam killings was a rare occurrence, a first of its kind in the last 78 years...This a monumental shift, a milestone, but fragile at the same time. I hope that those in charge of law and order do understand the significance of the shift and don't do anything erroneously which impedes the shift or facilitates a return to the earlier mindset, he wrote on X. The mass protests against the Pahalgam killings was a rare occurrence, a first of its kind in the last 78 years. It showed a shift in mindset from a society in which some significant sections may have accorded social sanctity to the concept of violence to a society which Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) April 27, 2025 The former minister said there was a general feeling across the Valley that the whole family was being punished for the actions of one person. We approached the court also and termed it a form of collective punishment, inspired by the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, where the British were convinced of criminality and attributed it to ancestry. Using collectiveness to define criminality or terrorism is a curse and will never allow reconciliation and social introspection. I hope what has been achieved in the aftermath of the heinous carnage in Pahalgam, is understood by those at the helm. And these precious gains are not frittered away, he added. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to hunt down the killers o the ends of the earth as his government linked the dastardly attack to Pakistan. Since then New Delhi has announced a raft of retaliatory steps, including the cancellation of visas and suspension of the 1960s Indus Water Treaty, and Islamabad hitting back with a string of tit-for-tat measures, that included putting the 1972 Shimla Agreement in abeyance. Pakistan has warned that if India actually goes through with diverting or blocking the Indus water flow, Islamabad would see it as an act of war. Don't let innocent become collateral damage: J&K CM urges as search for Pahalgam attack culprits intensifies
Punjab tutor held for abducting student; boy rescued from Darjeeling after over a month
HOSHIARPUR: A 13-year-old boy, who was allegedly abducted by his tutor about over a month ago, has been rescued by the police and the kidnapper arrested, officials said on Sunday. Model Town SHO Sub-Inspector Gursahib Singh said the boy, a native of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra, was currently living with his parents in a rented accommodation in Hoshiarpur. Studying in Class 7, the boy used to take tuition from Bhupinder Singh (51), a resident of Dashmesh Nagar, daily between 3 pm and 7.30 pm. According to the police, Bhupinder Singh somehow convinced the boy's parents to allow him to take the child to Shimla for two days. However, after taking the boy with him on March 12, he blocked all contact numbers of the family and prevented the child from speaking to anyone. The boy's parents searched for him on their own for around 18 days, but when they failed to trace the abductor and their child, they lodged an FIR. The FIR was registered at the Model Town Police Station on April 2 under relevant provisions of the law that deal with the punishment for kidnapping or abducting someone with the intent to secretly confine them. A hunt was launched for Bhupinder, who kept changing his location frequently to evade arrest. Eventually, police located him at a hotel in West Bengal's Darjeeling and arrested him two days ago. The boy was safely rescued. The police said the accused had taken the boy close to the Nepal border and there was a strong possibility that he could have crossed over into Nepal with the child. The rescued boy has been produced before the Child Welfare Committee, while the accused was presented before a court, which remanded him in four-day police custody for further interrogation. The police are investigating the motive behind the kidnapping.
Javed Dar calls on HP CM, urges for safety of Kashmiri students
Excelsior Correspondent SHIMLA, Apr 26: Minister for Agriculture Production, Javed Ahmad Dar, today called on Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, apprising him of the situation arising out of the recent Pahalgam terror strike. Their meeting focused on key issues concerning the safety and welfare of J&K residents in Himachal Pradesh. The meeting was held in pursuance of the directions of Chief Minister of J&K where under all Cabinet Ministers of J&K have been deputed to various parts [] The post Javed Dar calls on HP CM, urges for safety of Kashmiri students appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
JK Ministers visit Mumbai, Punjab, Shimla, Dehradun, Lucknow to instil safety of JK natives
Share contact numbers for assistance, meet Governors, CMs of respective states Srinagar, Apr 26:Following the reports of harassment of the J&K natives outside the region, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has deployed his cabinet ministers including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary to various cities of the country in order to ensure their safety. The [] The post JK Ministers visit Mumbai, Punjab, Shimla, Dehradun, Lucknow to instil safety of JK natives appeared first on Northlines .
Javed Dar calls on HP Chief Minister; urges for safety of Kashmiri students, others residing there
SHIMLA, APRIL 26: Minister for Agriculture Production, Javed Ahmad Dar, today called on Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, apprising him of the situation arising out of the recent Pahalgam terror strike. Their meeting focused on key issues concerning the safety and welfare of J&K residents in Himachal Pradesh. The meeting was held []
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has threatened that blood would flow in rivers if water is stopped, in a sharp response to India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after the Pahalgam terror attack . The Indus is ours and will remain ours - either our water will flow through it, or their blood, the former foreign minister was quoted as saying by The News on Friday while addressing a public rally in the Sukkur area of his home Sindh province. The Indus flows through the province, and the Indus Valley Civilisation city of Mohenjo-Daro flourished on its banks. And Bilawal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed India is heir to a civilisation thousands of years old, But that civilisation lies in Mohenjo-daro, in Larkana. We are its true custodians, and we will defend it. Bilawal said that Modi cannot sever the aeons-old bond between the people of Sindh and the Indus, adding that he Indian government has cast its eyes on Pakistan's water, and the situation demands unity among all four provinces to defend and protect their water. He said that neither the people of Pakistan nor the international community would tolerate Modi's warmongering or any attempts to divert the Indus waters away from Pakistan. We will send a message to the world that robbery on the Sindhu won't be accepted. Pahalgam terrorist attack: Pakistan seeks international probe The PPP chairman urged his supporters to prepare for a resolute struggle to defend their river from Indian aggression. Bilawal, who has also served as Pakistan's youngest foreign minister, said the country and its people condemned the recent terrorist attack in India because Pakistanis themselves remain victims of terrorism. India on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Islamabad. That call was taken by India after the attack on Tuesday in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. In response to India's decision to suspend the IWT, Pakistan on Thursday threatened to suspend the Simla Agreement and put other bilateral accords with India on hold. Pakistan also suspended all trade, closed its airspace for Indian airlines and said any attempt to divert the water meant for it under the Indus Water Treaty will be considered an Act of War. The Simla Agreement was signed in 1972. The treaty, signed in Shimla, was inked by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal's grandfather. Also, the PPP chairman announced on Friday that the federal government has now agreed to subject the construction of the controversial six new canals to consensus among all provinces. I want to share that the federal government has decided that no new canals will be built without consensus in the CCI (Council of Common Interests), he said. CCI is a high-powered inter-provincial body to tackle controversies between provinces.
Pak Flag Removed From Desk Where Now-Suspended Simla Agreement Was Signed
The glossy wooden table on which the Simla Agreement was signed is kept at the Kirti Hall in the Raj Bhawan in Shimla.
Nidhey Gupta takes charge as Sr Divisional Manager LIC Srinagar Div
Srinagar: Nidhey Gupta has taken charge as Senior Divisional Manager, LIC of India, Srinagar Division. Before his current assignment, he has served as Senior Divisional Manager at Shimla Division (H.P) for 2 years. Hailing from Jammu, Nidhey Gupta is a Law Graduate from Jammu University. He joined LIC of India in 1997 as a Direct [] The post Nidhey Gupta takes charge as Sr Divisional Manager LIC Srinagar Div appeared first on Northlines .
Shimla Swarn Samaj Protest: A Callous Act Amid National Grief
Shimla, April 25, 2025 The Swarn Samaj protest at the Shimla Secretariat on April 24, 2025, led by Rumit Thakur of the Dev Bhumi Kshatriya Sangathan, has drawn sharp criticism for its insensitivity and disregard for public safety. The group demanded that the Himachal Pradesh government retract a notification promoting inter-caste marriages through financial [] The post Shimla Swarn Samaj Protest: A Callous Act Amid National Grief first appeared on Himachal Watcher .
Pakistan flag removed from Simla Accord table
The Pakistani flag has been removed from the historic table at Raj Bhavan in Shimla where the Simla Accord was signed, a day after Pakistan suspended the 1972 agreement. The suspension came in response to India's retaliatory actions following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Simla Accord, signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, aimed to settle issues bilaterally and maintain peace at the Line of Control. However, Pakistan's frequent violations of the agreement have led to its suspension, raising concerns about the future of India-Pakistan relations.
Indian Army Captured These Pakistani Areas In 1971, Indira Gandhi Returned Them In 1972
The Pahalgam attack, Pakistan's withdrawal from Shimla Agreement, and echoes of the 1971 war reignite calls in India for a tougher stance and reclaiming lost strategic ground.
'Boy' For Success, 'Girl' For Failure: How The Historic Shimla Agreement Was Signed At 12:40am
Pahalgam terror attack: News18 takes a look at the significance of the Shimla Agreement, which was signed between India and Pakistan on July 3, 1972
Tired of Shimla? Visit these 6 nearby destinations with the same charm, minus the crowd
Shimla might be iconic, but its not your only option. These 6 nearby destinations offer the same colonial charm and scenic beauty, minus the crowds. Discover peaceful hill retreats worth your time.
A Broken Pact? How Pakistan Violated The 1972 Simla Agreement Time And Again
The Shimla Agreement was a peace treaty signed on July 2, 1972, between Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
BENGALURU: Following the Pahalgam terror attack, a total of 177 tourists from Karnataka were flown back from Jammu and Kashmir to Bengaluru on a special flight arranged by the state government, around Thursday noon. Describing the aftermath, many tourists said they had travelled in groups and could not book tickets, which had soared to nearly Rs 80,000 after the terror attack. They thanked the government for stepping in, saying fear on the ground had made travel difficult. Several said that minister Santosh Lad, who brought back the tourists, had personally visited Srinagar and also Gulmarg, where many tourists were stuck, assured them of safety, and helped coordinate their return. Never again to dream destination Kashmir was my dream destination ever since my older sister went there almost 30 years ago for her honeymoon, but after what we experienced, we will never ever visit the valley, said Monica Satya, a Bengalurean who finally made a trip to Kashmir, with eight friends and family members. Just days into the vacation, when Monica and her family were in Gulmarg, news of the terrorist attack nearby left them shaken. We were terrified. The internet was barely working, so we couldnt even check the flights or call anybody to check for us, she said. Unsure of what to do, Monica called a friend in Bengaluru, who informed her that she had seen the news that minister Santosh Lad was expected to visit. I arranged for the ministers number and called him. From Srinagar, the minister came to our hotel in Gulmarg, and assured us we would be taken back safely with the other tourists, she told TNIE. Tour bus delay saved them Misha (13) had travelled to Kashmir with her parents and younger sister during their school vacation. Were trying to cover all the North Indian hill stations last year, it was Shimla and Manali, and this time we chose Kashmir, she said. The family was scheduled to leave for Pahalgam from Gulmarg by bus, on the day of the terrorist attack. We were supposed to leave on Tuesday morning, but the tour agency said buses werent ready and wed leave only by evening, Misha recalled, adding that the delay saved them. It was not until later that day, when their internet connection returned, that they found out what had happened. We had multiple missed calls from relatives. Thats how we found out about the attack, she said. Misha said the family had originally planned to head back on April 26, however, after the attack, they immediately contacted the helpline set up for tourists and made arrangements to return early. Were 5 km from terror scene, felt like a movie Kush and Kriti, cousins from Bengaluru, had travelled to Kashmir with 20 family members, hoping to show their grandparents the beauty of the valley. But just as they were returning from Betaab Valley in Pahalgam, they learnt about the terror attack nearby. We were only 5 km from the spot, but had no idea what had happened until we reached our resort, Kush said. Soon after, the area was placed under heavy restrictions. There was a complete lockdown. We couldnt take our grandparents out anywhere curfew was imposed, helicopters were hovering above, and there were military checks. We couldnt believe it was the same place, it felt like a scene out of a movie, said Kush. Soudha security officer among tourists Among the tourists was Ravikumar, a police officer attached to Vidhana Soudha security, who had spent a good amount of money planning a holiday with his wife and child. However, his trip took an unexpected turn when he landed in Kashmir on the day of the terror attack. What was meant to be a relaxing family vacation was abruptly aborted as upon arrival, he was told it was unsafe to stay and was asked to return. Locals came to rescue Many tourists recalled that despite the language barrier, local residents extended immense help during the crisis. While most of the tourists were in Gulmarg and other parts of Kashmir far from Srinagar where their flights were scheduled they were still able to make their way back, with the support of local tour guides and drivers. They mentioned that even with a statewide curfew in place, locals helped them reach bus stands and arranged transport to Srinagar. Chetan R, Commissioner, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, told TNIE that the government is still in touch with the Anantnag district DIG to know how many tourists from the state are still in J&K. He also mentioned that the people there have their flights booked either to Amritsar or Delhi.
Pak Suspends Shimla Accord, Shuts Borders
After a meeting of its National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistans Foreign Office declared Indias move illegal, warning that any attempt to curb or divert waters destined for Pakistan will be considered an act of war
Congress postpones rally in Shimla in honour of Pahalgam attack victims
Congress to hold Samvidhan Bachao rally in Shimla on April 25
Congress leaders slam ED charge sheet in National Herald case as 'political vendetta'
CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Chandigarh, Manish Tewari, today alleged that the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald case against Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was an act of sheer political vendetta aimed at maligning the party leadership by the ruling party. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also alleged that the chargesheet was purely a case of political witch-hunt. Speaking to the media today, alongside senior party leaders including Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Capt. Sandeep Sandhu, Tewari said the case would eventually collapse in court, as there was nothing unlawful or illegal involved. He explained that the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which was founded by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other senior leaders and freedom fighters to publish newspapers like National Herald , Navjeevan , and Qaumi Awaz , had run into massive losses, accruing liabilities and outstanding debts of around Rs 90 crores. He said that, as per standard corporate practice to clean up balance sheets, a new company, Young Indian Limited (YIL), was incorporated. Tewari stated that the Congress paid off the Rs 90 crore debt of AJL over a period of 10 years and subsequently acquired its shares. These shares were later transferred to Young Indian Limited through a standard corporate practice of debt-equity swap. He emphasised that converting debt into equity is a common legal practice, and this was precisely what happened in the AJL case. Challenging the complainants claim that the move was an attempt to grab AJLs properties, Tewari clarified that of the six properties owned by AJL across the country, only one was freehold while the other five were on lease. He noted that such leased properties cannot be sold. Interestingly, he revealed that the trial based on the complaint, which led to the EDs chargesheet, has effectively been stayed a stay that was, in fact, sought by the complainant, Subramanian Swamy, from the Delhi High Court. Tewari further said that even the BJP government is aware that the case has no legal standing and will not withstand scrutiny. However, he added, the government is attempting to create a perception to malign the Congress leadership. Meanwhile, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, accompanied by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, State Congress President Pratibha Singh, and others, told the media in Shimla, By targeting the Congress leadership and the Gandhi family through false and fabricated cases, the BJP government is trying to muzzle the Congress party. Claiming that neither the Gandhi family nor other directors of Young Indian Limited received even a single rupee, Gehlot alleged that the BJP government has turned the ED into its election department and is using it for vendetta politics. Nation Herald case will not cow down Congress, says Kharge
Woman dead, 25 injured after mini truck plunges into gorge in Shimla
Police reached the spot after receiving the information, rescued the injured and recovered the dead body from the gorge
262 people lost lives in natural calamities & accidents in Himachal this year
Shimla: A total of 262 people have lost lives in natural calamities and road accidents since January 1, 2025 till date, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Saturday. In April alone, 38 people have died. Till date, 43 roads including two national highways are closed for vehicular traffic and 220 transformers and 30 water Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Himachal government to seek Centre's nod for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Shipki-La pass
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during a meeting with General Officer Commanding in Chief, Central Command Lt General Anindya Sengupta in Shimla, announced that the state will raise the issue of commencing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kinnaur district through Shipki-La with the union government. Sukhu emphasised that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, with thousands of pilgrims undertaking the journey each year, continuing a centuries-old spiritual tradition. He said that pilgrims can make entry into Tibet through Shipki-La Pass, as it offers viable route for them. Highlighting a long-pending demand from the people of border areas, CM Sukhu stated that the state government would urge the Central Government to establish a Himachal Scouts Battalion, similar to those in Sikkim, Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh, with a special quota for locals from the bordering areas of the state. He also sought cooperation and collaboration with the Indian Army and other paramilitary forces to promote border tourism up to the LAC. Additionally, he emphasized that the state government would urge the Central Government to abolish the inner line check posts of various military and paramilitary forces, which currently create permit-related hurdles for tourists. He stressed the need to simplify travel and enhance the overall visitor experience. Sukhu also requested the Army to establish an airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti Valley capable of accommodating large aircraft to boost tourism in the region. He further suggested conducting surveys for heliports in Sangla, Neesang, and Thangi, emphasising that these initiatives would significantly promote tourism in forward areas and strengthen the local economy. Highlighting tourism as a priority sector for the state government, he stressed the need for coordination with the Army to enhance tourism in the bordering areas. Sukhu also proposed the establishment of a Military School in the region and announced that the state government would set up a milk processing plant in the border area, with products supplied to the Indian Army. He said that roads must be maintained by the Ministry of Defence as it is the lifeline of the State. These include Kiato-Takling La- Nurbo Sumdo, Wangtoo-Kafnu- Mud- Attargoo, Leo-Chango, Giu-Pong, Khanadunti-Nithal Thach, Harsil, Jeori-Wangtoo on the right bank to the Shipki-La roads. Expressing strong support, the Army assured cooperation in these initiatives and also evinced keen interest to converge in water supply, power and sports sectors with the State Government to provide better facilities for the people residing in border areas. Lt. General Anindya Sengupta said that the Army will construct an all weather Ice Skating Rink and an Indoor Stadium at Kaza. Additionally, it will also organise eye health check up camp in Kaza including facilities for procedures.
Two Killed, Two Injured As JCB Plunges Into Gorge Near Shimla
The accident occurred near Jwala Mata temple; victims include residents of Punjab, Kinnaur, and Bihar.
CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh Police is on high alert after receiving a bomb threat to blow up the office of the Mandi Deputy Commissioner yesterday. A similar threat was also received at the office of the Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, which is located in the secretariat building in Shimla, said sources. The email referred to his office mentioned that something is going to happen in Tamil Nadu, and the timing to execute the threat in Himachal Pradesh would be adjusted accordingly. Speaking about the bomb threat, Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena, said, two threat mails were received on Wednesday, one at his office in Shimla and the other at the deputy commissioners (DC) office in Mandi. The origin of both the emails is being traced and if necessary, help would be sought from the central agencies to arrest the accused. Both offices were vacated and sanitised. While nothing suspicious has been found so far, the authorities have been put on high alert, he said. Saxena further said that security has been strengthened at both places. Similar threats were received by some schools and airlines in the recent past, but fortunately nothing untoward happened, he added. In Shimla, the state secretariat premises were immediately sanitised, and security measures have been significantly reinforced. Also, access to the secretariat is now restricted, and all people entering the secretariat building are being checked. While the employees at the DC office in Mandi were allowed to work today after security checks, an appeal has been made to the public not to visit the office premises unless they have some urgent work. Superintendent of Police of Mandi, Sakshi Verma, said the Deputy Commissioner's Office was cleared after teams from the bomb disposal squad, CISF, dog squad, and three police teams from Mandi, Kullu and Bilaspur thoroughly checked the premises. Sources said that the police and intelligence agencies are currently working to trace the origin of the threatening emails, which were reportedly sent from a Gmail account. In the meantime, security has been intensified at all major government buildings across the state.
Thunderstorm, hailstorm batter parts of Himachal Pradesh causing widespread damage
CHANDIGARH: A squall accompanied by heavy rain and hailstorms lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday night, causing widespread damage and power outages were across the state. Shimla remained without electricity for several hours. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in parts of the state on April 18 and 19. Meanwhile, heavy rains also lashed Punjab and Chandigarh. The squall struck Shimla around 11:15 PM plunging the town into darkness, the power supply was restored 10 hours later. The thunderstorm uprooted trees causing damage to vehicles, and blew off the roofs of makeshift houses. In the upper Shimla region, high-velocity winds caused significant damage to apple and stone fruit trees like plum and apricot. In many areas, fruit was knocked off the trees. Apple growers in Jubbal and Rampur reported major losses. The weather office has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Sirmaur and Kinnaur districts on April 18 and 19. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Lahaul-Spiti districts during this period. On April 20 light to moderate rains are likely at many places and at few places on April 21 and 22 due to fresh Western Disturbance, as a cyclonic circulation lies over the region. There was an appreciable fall in the minimum temperatures. Lahaul and Spitis Keylong was coldest at night with a low of 0.5 degree Celsius. As per MeT, Seobagh in Kullu district recorded the highest rainfall of 28.8 mm, followed by Lahaul-Spitis Kukumseri 23.8 mm, Narkanda 18 mm, Mandi 17.6 mm, Dharamshala 17 mm, Chamba 16 mm, Kalpa 15.6, Kufri 15 mm while the tourist resorts of Kasauli received 14.4 mm rain, Dalhousie 10 mm, Shimla 9.6 mm and Manali 6.8 mm. Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, lashed many parts of Punjab and Chandigarh late yesterday night and in the early today morning. As per the MeT Department Chandigarh received 8.3 mm of rain, however, the sky became clear in the morning and residents woke up to sunny weather. While Amritsar received (4.5 mm), Pathankot (3.2 mm), Gurdaspur (18.8 mm) and Rupnagar (6 mm) and in neighboring Haryana, Ambala received a light shower.
Heavy Rains, Thunderstorms Lash Several Parts Of Himachal Pradesh
The thunderstorms and hailstorms on Wednesday uprooted trees, blew off the roofs of makeshift houses and caused power outages in several areas, including Shimla where power supply was restored in the morning after nearly 10 hours.
Trees Uprooted, Roads Blocked In Shimla As Storm Hits Himachal Pradesh, IMD Issues Orange Alert
Himachal Weather: Yellow and orange alert have been in place for several districts across state including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Lahaul-Spiti.
Earthquake of 3.4 magnitude hits Himachal's Mandi; no damage reported
SHIMLA: A moderate-intensity earthquake, measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale, struck Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district on Sunday, officials said. The depth of the earthquake, which struck near Mandi town at 9:18 am, was 5 km, the Met office said. The epicentre was located at 31.49 degree latitude and 76.94 degree longitude in the Mandi region, it said. No loss of life and property was reported from any part of the state so far, officials said. The Mandi district falls under seismic zone 5, which is a high-damage risk zone.
Beyond Shimla and Manali: 6 lesser-crowded summer hill stations in India
Escape the summer crowds by exploring these offbeat hill stations in India. From lush valleys to remote villages, these serene getaways promise cool climates, scenic beauty, and peaceful experiences.
In 2021, Appavu, P. Wilson demanded setting of time limit for Governors to give assent to Bills
At the 82nd All India Presiding Officers Conference in Shimla in November 2021, Mr. Appavu had said when Governors stalled giving assent to a Bill, they are virtually overruling the will of the people of the State
NIELIT Shimla Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 6,692 Aaya/Helper, Yoga Teachers, More Posts
NIELIT Shimla Recruitment 2025 Apply Offline: National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT Shimla) has announced the recruitment of 6,692 Aaya/ Helper, Yoga Teachers and More Posts in 2025. Candidates With Any Graduate, BCA, B.Ed, B.Tech/B.E, M.A, M.Ed, MBA/PGDM, MCA, D.El.Ed Can Apply Offline on or before 28-04-2025.
Himachal govt open to any form of investigation: CM Sukhu on Vimal Negi's death case
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu accused the BJP of politicizing the death of Vimal Negi, a Chief Engineer at HPPCL, and assured a fair probe. Negis death has spurred demands for a CBI inquiry. Meanwhile, Sukhu inaugurated Phase-II of the Ellerslie Building project in Shimla, aimed at enhancing accessibility and reducing congestion.
Raja Babu unable to come to terms with Lok Sabha defeat: Kangana
Shimla, Apr 6: Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut on Sunday took a dig at Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh saying he is yet to come to terms with his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. In a veiled attack on Vikramatidya Singh and his mother and state Congress president Pratibha Singh, the BJP MP from the states Mandi seat said there is competition in politics but limits should not be crossed. One should not repeatedly throw mud at others or [] The post Raja Babu unable to come to terms with Lok Sabha defeat: Kangana appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kangana welcomes Waqf bills passage, says Congress leniency led to Waqf boards flouting norms
SHIMLA, Apr 5: The Congress leniency towards Waqf boards led to them flouting norms, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut alleged on Saturday and said the Waqf (Amendment) Bill passed by Parliament would address the issue of largescale land-grabbing. Addressing a Jan Sampark Abhiyan in the Majhvad area of her Mandi constituency, the actor-politician welcomed the Waqf bills passage and claimed there was a big conspiracy behind the formation of Waqf boards even before Independence. The entire country is suffering till now [] The post Kangana welcomes Waqf bills passage, says Congress leniency led to Waqf boards flouting norms appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The Himachal Pradesh government has announced 6,692 job openings through NILETT, including positions in education, with the majority for Aayas in pre-primary schools. Other roles include yoga teachers, special educators, and career guidance counselors, with varying honorariums ranging from Rs 4,075 to Rs 32,490 per month. Interested candidates must apply via post by April 28, 2025, with specific educational qualifications required for each position. Applications can be downloaded from the NILETT Shimla website.
Uttarakhand's Galogi Hydroelectric Project achieves record electricity generation
DEHRADUN: Uttrakhand's historic Galogi Hydroelectric Project has set a new record by generating 8.075 million units of electricity in the financial year 2024-25. This marks the highest annual electricity generation since the project was commissioned in 1907. Speaking exclusively with TNIE , Uttarakhand Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) Managing Director, Dr. Sandeep Singhal, stated, The 3.5 MW Galogi Hydroelectric Project, situated between Kyarkuli and Bhatta near Mussoorie in district Dehradun, has surpassed its previous record of 7.96 million units achieved in the financial year 2023-24. Dr. Singhal emphasised the dual focus of the project, saying, While we strive for excellence in electricity generation, we are equally committed to preserving the Galogi site as a historic heritage landmark. Dr. Singhal further stated, The Galogi Hydroelectric Project not only contributes to the region's energy needs but also stands as a testament to the rich history of hydroelectric power in India. He added, As UJVN Limited continues to operate this facility, it aims to balance modern energy demands with the preservation of its historical significance. The Galogi Small Hydroelectric Project, established in 1907 during British rule, has played a pivotal role in supplying electricity and water to the Mussoorie region. According to Vimal Dabral, the public relations officer of UJVNL, At that time, Mussoorie, along with Kolkata, Darjeeling, and Shimla, was one of the few places with electricity distribution facilities. He emphasised the project's historical significance, stating, This project is the only hydroelectric plant from the British era that continues to successfully generate electricity while fulfilling its original purpose of water supply. Dabral further elaborated on the importance of the Galogi project, noting its unique status in India's energy landscape. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early hydroelectric power initiatives, he remarked. As UJVNL continues to operate this historic facility, it not only meets modern energy demands but also preserves a vital piece of Indias energy heritage.
Shimla Builds Asia's Longest Ropeway To Ferry 2,000 People Every Hour
Shima is set to construct the world's second-longest ropeway project, spanning 13.79 kilometers, in a bid to boost tourism and alleviate traffic congestion in the popular hill station.
Himachal inks MoUs with Telangana for power projects in Lahaul-Spiti
CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh government on Saturday inked two MoUs with the Telangana government to establish 400 MW Seli and 120 MW Miar Hydro Electric Power Projects in Lahaul-Spiti district at an estimated cost of R 6200 crore. The agreements were signed by Himachal Power Secretary Rakesh Kanwar and Telanganas Principal Secretary of Power, Sandeep Kumar Sultania in Shimla. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu were also present. Both projects will be set up on the banks of the Chenab River at an estimated cost of Rs 6200 crore and are expected to create approximately 5,000 direct and indirect jobs for the states youth. As part of the understanding, the Telangana government paid 26 crore as an upfront premium. Upon commissioning of the projects, Himachal Pradesh will receive free power for the first 12 years (12%), the following 18 years, (18%), and the last 10 years (30%) under the state governments new Energy Policy. After 40 years, the Telangana government would transfer both projects to Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, the Telangana government would contribute 1.5% of the cost of projects to the Local Area Development Fund and provide an additional one per cent free power for LADF after commissioning. The affected families of these projects will also receive monetary benefits equivalent to 100 units per month for ten years. On the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhu invited the Telangana government to explore further power banking or trading partnerships. We will extend full cooperation to the government of Telangana to establish both the projects and look forward to the commencement of construction earliest. These agreements are a win-win situation for both the states. He said that while the state has harnessed 11,500 MW of renewable energy, much of it has benefitted the Central Public Sector Undertakings. Telangana DCM Mallu stated that his government was committed to ensuring energy security for both states, keeping in view their fast-growing demand. In line with Telangana Clean and Green Energy Policy, 2025, he said this MoU reflects the commitment to diversify the energy portfolio while ensuring environmental sustainability. By partnering with Himachal Pradesh, we are taking a significant step towards securing cleaner, greener and more reliable power for our future, the DCM added.
BJP stages demonstration against Congress government in Himachal
BJP stages Halla Bol rally in Shimla against Congress governments alleged mafia raj in Himachal Pradesh
Hills Lead The Way: Nainital, Dehradun, Shimla See Spike In Real Estate Searches, Says Magicbricks
Nainital recorded a 49.3% increase in residential searches in 2024, followed by Shimla seeing 33.7% growth, Dehradun 27.7% and Rishikesh 26.6%, according to Magicbricks.
Right-wing forces private school in Shimla to cancel Eid celebrations
Eid celebrations have been cancelled at a private school in Himachal Pradeshs capital city, Shimla, following threats from right-wing organisations. The private school, Auckland House School, had announced Eid celebrations on March 28, the last Friday of Ramzan, from nursery to Class 2. They had asked children to wear a kurta-pyjama, with a small cap. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Shimla school drops Eid celebration plan after threat
A private school in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, withdrew its decision to ask students to wear kurta-pajama and bring special food for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations after it sparked a row with a local right-wing organization and some religious groups. The school said it was intended as a cultural learning experience and that participation was voluntary. The school also condemned attempts to misrepresent the event as religious propaganda and urged individuals to remove false and inflammatory messages on social media.
According to eyewitnesses, the aircraft crossed the runway and hit the studs at the edge of the airstrip. No casualties were reported.
Shimla school withdraws pre-Eid celebration directive after threat from right-wing group
School authority said they organised the celebration to help young students appreciate India's cultural diversity; Dev Bhoomi Sangarsh Samiti warned to gherao the school and take legal action against it if the decision was not withdrawn
Narrow escape: Aircraft carrying Himachal deputy CM misses landing at Shimla's Jubbarhatti Airport
An aircraft carrying important officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, overshot the runway at Jubbarhatti Airport. The flight from Delhi landed incorrectly, causing it to hit the studs at the edge of the airstrip. Emergency measures were taken, and all passengers remained on board for 20-25 minutes while the issue was investigated.
Plane carrying Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM makes emergency landing in Shimla
There were 44 passengers on board, including Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and DGP Dr Atul Verma.
Aircraft carrying Himachal Deputy CM faces glitch, misses landing at Shimla's Jubbarhatti Airport
All passengers stayed on the plane for about 20-25 minutes and the Dharamshala flight was cancelled, says Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri
Plane With 30, Including Himachal Deputy CM, Overshoots Shimla Runway
A flight from Delhi carrying Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, DGP Atul Verma, and 28 others missed the landing spot at Shimla's Jubbarhatti Airport, hitting the runway edge
Delhi-Shimla flight reports technical glitch, Himachal deputy CM, DGP among 44 aboard
Ajab Singh, the driver who took the couple on a trip through Himachal Pradesh, said their behaviour did not indicate that they had just committed a brutal crime.
Himachal Pradesh High Court directs BFI to allow Thakurs nomination in its polls
Shimla, Mar 20: Former sports minister Anurag Thakurs bid to contest the Boxing Federation of Indias presidential election was brought back on track after the Himachal Pradesh High Court stayed his disqualification from the Electoral College and directed the BFI to extend the date of nominations to enable his candidature. Thakur, who is also a Lok Sabha MP from Hamirpur, was declared ineligible in a March 7 notification by BFI President Ajay Singh. The reason cited was that he was [] The post Himachal Pradesh High Court directs BFI to allow Thakurs nomination in its polls appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal Pradeshs Lahaul-Spiti most vulnerable to avalanches: Study
NEW DELHI: A new study of 11 Western Himalayan districts shows that most of Himachal Pradeshs districts are the most vulnerable to avalanches, followed by districts of Uttarakhand. The study indicates that man-made activities, including the rapid construction of roads, dams, and tunnels and the regular movement of heavy vehicles, are the reasons behind the increasing incidents of avalanches. Earlier this month, an avalanche hit a Border Roads Organisation camp in the village of Mana, located in Chamoli, killing eight workers. The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), based in Bhopal, analysed the Indian Western Himalayas (IWH), which showed that Lahaul and Spiti are the most vulnerable to avalanches in Himachal Pradesh, while Chamoli is the most vulnerable in Uttarakhand. The study, A multiaggregation approach to estimate avalanche vulnerability and suggest phasewise adaptation, attributed increased avalanches in the IWH to multiple factors, such as climate change, complex terrain, and increasing human activities. To measure the increasing risks, researchers Akshay Singhal, M. Kavya, and Sanjeev K. Jha of IISER developed a district-level avalanche vulnerability frameworkthe Combined Avalanche Vulnerability Index (CAVI) in the IWHthat considers all major meteorological, topographical, and anthropogenic factors. Results from CAVI show that Lahaul and Spiti are the most exposed districts (0.85), Shimla is the most sensitive, and Rudraprayag (0.3) is the least adaptive district to avalanches. Moreover, three out of five districts of Himachal Pradesh are highly vulnerable to avalanches, while five out of six districts of Uttarakhand are moderately vulnerable. Overall, Lahaul and Spiti is the most vulnerable district, while Shimla the most sensitive, and Pauri Garhwal are the least vulnerable district. The study provides an inclusive characterisation of avalanche-prone regions, supported by a phase-wise adaptation plan to mitigate potential risks. The outcomes will be helpful to disaster mitigation agencies, emergency departments, avalanche forecasters and agencies related to recreational activities, said Jha. The team also assessed each of the 11 districts' avalanche risk based on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. The authors explained that meteorological factors, such as rainfall, snow depth, and temperature, contribute to a district's 'exposure' to avalanches, while slope and population affect 'sensitivity'. Socio-economic factors, such as literacy, hospitals, forests, and houses with concrete walls, help determine a district's population's capacity to adapt to an increased avalanche risk. Avalanches are estimated to cause about 30-40 deaths each year and often have disruptive impacts, from blocking critical transport routes to damaging infrastructure. While avalanche risk is largely attributed to weather, climate, and terrain, it has also increased due to human activities, including the rapid construction of roads, dams, and tunnels and the regular movement of heavy vehicles, the authors said.
Himachal Pradesh CM presents Rs 58,514 crore budget with focus on strengthening agrarian economy
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented a tax-free budget with an outlay of Rs 58,514 crore for the year 2025-26. The budget focuses on strengthening the agrarian economy through the participation of farmers, rural youth and women besides improving healthcare facilities. He also announced the constitution of a Special Task Force (STF) to combat drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh. The government will focus on promoting religious and eco-tourism besides exploring lesser-known tourist destinations, he informed. Sukhu who also holds the Finance portfolio arrived at the assembly to present his third budget in his personal Alto car. In two and half hour speech, he read the 98-page budget in Hindi and informed that the budget aims to accelerate efforts towards making the state self-reliant. The budget ensures the conservation of the environment and natural resources during the development process along with transforming the rural economy. He further added that the budget focuses on agriculture, animal husbandry as well as social security. Sukhu announced new schemes in this year's budget with an emphasis on agriculture and allied sectors and tourism. One of the major announcements in the budget was a price hike for cow and buffalo milk, aimed at benefiting dairy farmers in the state. The price of cow milk will rise from Rs 45 to Rs 51 per litre, while buffalo milk will increase from Rs 55 to Rs 61 per litre. The move comes as part of a broader effort to support the agricultural community, with the government striving to provide fair compensation for milk producers. To boost religious tourism, Sukhu noted the governments commitment to exploring lesser-known religious and cultural destinations within the state, hoping to increase the influx of both domestic and international visitors. He also announced the development of tea estates into eco-tourism hubs, turning lush green areas into attractive destinations for visitors seeking a more nature-focused experience. Emphasising the target to bring one lakh farmers under natural farming in 2025-26, Sukhu said that so far over 1.58 lakh farmers have turned to natural farming. Farmers growing kachi haldi (raw turmeric) naturally will get a minimum support price of Rs 90 per kg, he said. He also added that the state government plans to set up a Spice Park in Hamirpur. Sukhu said that the daily wages of workers engaged in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act increased by Rs 20 from Rs 300 to Rs 320 per day. He said the total fiscal deficit in 2025-26 is expected to be Rs 10,338 crore, which is 4.04 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product. The total revenue receipts are estimated to be Rs 42,343 crore, and the total revenue expenditure is projected to be Rs 48,733 crore. The total revenue deficit is estimated to be Rs 6,390 crore. The Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) has come down to Rs 3257 crore in 2025-26 from Rs 6258 crore last year, which will compound our problems further, he said. Informing that the debt liability of the state has risen to Rs 1,04,729 crore out of which Rs 29,046 lakh have been taken by the present government, he said 70 per cent of the loan taken in the past two years was spent on repayment of loans taken by the previous government and its interest component. He said that out of every rupee, only 24 paisa would be left for development works, as 25 paise would be spent on salaries, 20 paise on pensions, 12 paise on interest payments, 10 paise on debt payments, and 9 paise for grants to autonomous bodies. The focus of the budget is to bring back the derailed economy of the state back on track. We formed the government on December 11, 2022 inheriting huge financial liabilities left behind by the previous BJP regime, including a debt burden of Rs 76,185 crore, he said. Sukhu cautioned that 2025-26 is likely to be one of the toughest years for the state economically and said that his government will continue to fight to get the state its legitimate due. He also announced several schemes for agriculturists, women, disabled and children and said that separate directorates for schools and colleges would be constituted. He informed that about 500 electric buses will be purchased in 2025-26 and the Shimla Ropeway project will be started in the next fiscal year. Sukhu said that about 500 electric buses will be purchased in 2025-26 and the Shimla Ropeway project will be started in the next fiscal year. He also announced several schemes for agriculturists, women, disabled and children and said that separate directorates for school and colleges would be constituted. He said it is because of the imposition of strict conditions on raising of loans and funding under externally aided projects that Himachal is getting economically neglected.
Supreme Court rules in favour of Himalayan Brahmo Samaj, bans interference in temple affairs
The Himalaya Brahmo Samaj, Shimla, has secured a significant legal victory as the Supreme Court ruled in their favour, barring Lalit Verma and others from interfering in their temple affairs.
Former Himachal Congress MLA from Bilaspur shot at by unidentified people
BILASPUR: Former Congress MLA from Bilaspur Bamber Thakur was shot at by unidentified people at his residence here on Friday, police said. Thakur along with his personal security officer were injured in the attack, police said. The attackers fired around 12 rounds of bullets, an eye witness said. The former MLA was sitting in the courtyard of the government accommodation allotted to his wife in Bilapsur along with others when four people came and opened fire. Thakur suffered a bullet injury on his leg. A manhunt has been launched to catch the culprits who reportedly ran on foot towards the main market, SP Sandeep Dhawal told the PTI. The accused would be nabbed and booked under relevant sections of law, he added. Immediately after the attack, Thakur was referred to Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla while the PSO was rushed to the AIIMS Bilaspur. Taking note of the incident, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said,I have spoken to Bamber Thakur and urged him to go to AIIMS but he wished to be treated in IGMC Shimla and the deputy Commissioner has been instructed to do the needful. Directions have been issued to erect barricades on roads and four lane to nab the people who are behind the shooting incident, Sukhu said in a video statement.
IMD issues yellow alert, predicts thunderstorm and lightning in parts of Himachal
Shimla, Mar 10: The Shimla centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on Monday, and from Wednesday to Friday. Isolated places in the higher reaches of the state received mild snowfall on Monday, the MeT office said. Keylong received 1 cm of snow, while Gondla witnessed traces of it, it said. Meanwhile, police in Lahaul and Spiti have asked commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and stay [] The post IMD issues yellow alert, predicts thunderstorm and lightning in parts of Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
While addressing a press conference in Shimla, Nanda said that despite receiving Rs 11,000 crore in financial aid from the central government for various schemes, the state government is using that money for salaries and pensions instead of development.
Tourist from Maharashtra dies in fire in Shimla bed and breakfast accommodation, two more injured
SHIMLA: Three tourists from Maharashtra sustained burn injuries, one of whom died, following a fierce fire in a private accommodation offering bed and breakfast in the Kachighati area of Shimla city, police said on Saturday. All three tourists from Maharashtra were sleeping when the fire broke out around 11.30 pm on Friday night. While two of them managed to escape, Ritesh, a resident of Koregaon in Maharashtra, was killed in the fire, they said. Ashish and Avdhoot who were injured in the fire are under treatment at Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital, Shimla. The three of them had come to Shimla on Friday and were staying in the bed and breakfast accommodation. About half a dozen fire tenders were rushed to the spot and it took the firefighters several hours to douse the flames. However, tourists staying in other rooms were safely rescued. Three rooms of the hotels were engulfed in the fire and there was a loss of property worth lakhs, police said. Preliminary investigations suggested negligence on the part of the owner and a case under sections 106 (causing death by negligence) and 125 (endangering life) of BNS has been registered. The family members of the deceased have been informed and the body would be handed over to them after the post-mortem is conducted, police said. The exact cause of the fire is being investigated and fire safety measures in the accommodation are being examined, they said.
Heavy snowfall, rains trigger landslides in Himachal Pradesh, key roads blocked
Shimla, Feb 28: Heavy snowfall and rains in Himachal Pradesh triggered landslides and blocked key roads and national highways on Friday, throwing normal life out of gear in many areas. Intermittent heavy snowfall and rains for the third day have blocked highways. About 200 roads have been closed due to heavy snowfall across the state, cutting off several areas in Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba and Shimla districts from the rest of the state, officials said. Officials said all [] The post Heavy snowfall, rains trigger landslides in Himachal Pradesh, key roads blocked appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Heavy Rains, Snowfall Cause Chaos in Himachal, Roads Blocked, Vehicles Swept Away
KULLU - HIMACHAL PRADESH: Heavy rains and snowfall have caused major problems in Himachal Pradesh, leading to landslides and road closures. Many highways and key roads were blocked on Friday, making it difficult for people to travel. For the third day in a row, the state has been experiencing heavy rain and snowfall, affecting normal life. Around 200 roads have been shut down, cutting off areas like Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Shimla from the rest of the state, officials said. Due to the bad weather, all schools and colleges have been closed in Chamba and Manali. However, CBSE board exams will still take place as planned. Authorities have also warned people about possible avalanches in higher regions above 2,300 meters and advised them to stay indoors and take precautions. Many major roads are blocked due to snow. The Hindustan-Tibet road (NH-5) is closed at Narkanda, while roads connecting Dodra-Kwar and Deha-Chopal are also not accessible. The Theog-Hatkoti Highway near Kharapathar village, which is at an altitude of 8,770 feet, has also been shut down. In Kullu, heavy rains have flooded areas like Akhara Bazaar and Gandhi Nagar. Water from overflowing rivers entered the streets, damaging parked vehicles. Authorities have stopped vehicle movement beyond Nehru Kund because of fresh snowfall in places like Solang Nallah, Gulaba, Atal Tunnel, and Rohtang. A landslide at Banala has also blocked the Manali-Kiratpur National Highway, and work to clear it has been delayed due to falling rocks, police said. Many roads in remote valleys remain blocked due to snowfall and continuous rainfall. View this post on Instagram A post shared by News Track Live (@newstracklive) According to weather reports, Kothi received the highest snowfall of 120 cm by 8:30 am, followed by Khadrala (115 cm), Keylong (75 cm), Kalpa (46 cm), Kukumseri (38.8 cm), Sangla (23.5 cm), and both Nichar and Moorang (15 cm each). Lower and mid-hill areas are also facing problems due to heavy rains. Seobagh recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 113.2 mm, followed by Bhuntar (113.2 mm), Banjar (112.4 mm), Jogindernagar (112 mm), Salooni (109.3 mm), Palampur (99 mm), Chamba (97 mm), Baijnath (75 mm), Kangra (74 mm), Rohroo (70 mm), Kufri (59 mm), and Shimla (54.5 mm). The sky remains dark and cloudy, and the meteorological department has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and higher areas of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts. Light to moderate rain is expected, with heavy rainfall at some isolated places in Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts.
Heavy snowfall disrupts roads, power supply in Himachal Pradesh
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh has been severely impacted by heavy snowfall and widespread rainfall, leading to the closure of more than 200 roads and disruptions in power and water supply. Several areas, particularly in the districts of Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Chamba, have been cut off from the rest of the state. The weather conditions have also forced the closure of educational institutions in Lahaul and Spiti and Chamba districts. Due to heavy snowfall, several key routes, including Darcha-Shinkula, Darcha-Sarchu, Koksar-Manali via Rohtang, Koksar to Losar via Kunzum, and Atal Tunnel to Manali, Tindi, and Udaipur roads, have been blocked. Authorities have advised travelers to avoid these routes for safety reasons. An avalanche alert has been issued, and the general public is urged to refrain from visiting high-altitude areas prone to avalanches. The police in Lahaul and Spiti stated, The general public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from visiting high-altitude areas prone to avalanches. In the Dodra-Kwar region of Shimla district, heavy snowfall continues, shutting down all roads leading to the valley. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning for Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur, and areas above 2,300 meters, warning of an increased risk of avalanches in higher-altitude regions. The precipitation is expected to continue with the same intensity throughout the day. Meanwhile, panic spread among residents of Manikaran Valley in the Kullu district following the formation of an artificial lake in Jeera Nallah in Tosh village, which has created a flash flood threat. Authorities have evacuated people living downstream to safer locations. The state also remains on high alert for avalanches following fresh snowfall in the region. In Shimla district, 12 roads have been closed due to the harsh weather. The Hindustan-Tibet Road (National Highway 5) has been shut down near Narkanda due to slippery conditions caused by heavy snowfall. As a result, traffic has been diverted from Sainj to Shimla via Luhri and Sunni. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for light to moderate snowfall at most places, with isolated spells of very heavy snowfall expected in Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti, as well as in the higher reaches of Chamba, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, Kangra, and Manali. Since last night, continuous rainfall has been recorded in Shimla. A yellow alert has been issued for more rain and light snowfall in the city and surrounding areas. However, educational institutions in the state capital have remained open. Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest temperature at night, dropping to minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, while Nahan was the warmest during the day with a high of 23.2 degrees Celsius.
Shimla police busts geolocation based drug trade mechanism
The racket is part of a geolocation based delivery system, in which the buyer and seller would not come in physical contact, making it difficult to track them
Heavy snowfall cuts off Lahaul Valley, Manali-Leh Highway closed
CHANDIGARH: The Manali-Leh Highway has been closed for vehicular traffic following heavy snowfall in higher areas of several districts in Himachal Pradesh, cutting off Lahaul Valley from the rest of the state and leaving both locals and tourists stranded. With snow accumulation reaching up to 60 cm on the road connecting the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel to Keylong-Jispa, the route has become impassable. The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti is experiencing severe weather conditions. In response, the Lahaul-Spiti police have issued a travel advisory urging all travellers to avoid the Manali-Leh route until further notice. The closure has significantly impacted transportation, halting vehicular movement on the affected stretch. Road users have been advised to remain patient and stay updated through official channels regarding road conditions and weather. Tourists planning to travel in or out of the area have been urged to adjust their plans accordingly. Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti, Rahul Kumar, stated that efforts to restore road connectivity would begin as soon as weather conditions improve. The Border Roads Organisation and the PWD are on standby and will deploy their workforce and machinery to clear key roads once the weather permits, he said. Kumar also cautioned people against unnecessary travel, particularly into high-altitude areas prone to snow avalanches. Following heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Manali, roads beyond Nehru Kund have been closed to most vehicles. Additionally, National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road) has been shut at Narkanda due to snow, with traffic now being diverted from Sainj to Shimla via Luhri. Since Wednesday night, Shilaroo recorded 5 cm of snowfall, followed by Gondla with 3 cm, Kalpa 1.3 cm, and Sangla 0.3 cm. The upper areas of Manali, Narkanda, Rohru, Chansal, and Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti also witnessed snowfall. Several areas across the state received light to moderate rainfall, with Dalhousie recording the highest at 22 mm, followed by Sundernagar with 21 mm, Bharmour 18.2 mm, Dharamshala 16.8 mm, Manali 16 mm, Mandi and Kangra 14.4 mm each, Bhuntar 13.6 mm, Bilaspur 13 mm, and Una 10 mm. The state capital, Shimla, was lashed by thunderstorms and received mild rainfall. The Met Office has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall, snowfall, and thunderstorms in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi on Thursday. It also warned that a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from 24 February onwards. The state has recorded an average rainfall of 33 mm during the winter season from 1 January to 20 February, significantly below the normal of 154 mma deficit of 79 per cent.
SHIMLA: Members of Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP)'s Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti and a civil society group have demanded that the civic body demolish a mosque in the Sanjauli locality here and warned of a 'mass movement' if it was not done within 15 days. In December the municipal commissioner here granted the Sanjauli mosque committee three months to raze the 'unauthorised' floors of the five-storey mosque. It had also directed the committee and Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board to file the next status report on March 15, after which the hearing of the remaining two floors of the mosque will take place. On Wednesday, a delegation of Civil Society, Sanjauli, and Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti met the Municipal Commissioner of Shimla and submitted a memorandum over their demand. They claimed that despite the municipal commissioner ordering the demolition of the structure, nothing has been done so far. The groups have warned of a mass movement against the authorities if the mosque is not demolished within 15 days.
Cash-hit Himachal Pradesh plans to lease century-old property
CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh government is planning to lease the century-old Hotel Wildflower Hall, located about 12 kilometers from Shimla. The property, which spans 100 acres in the midst of a dense deodar forest, was originally constructed by Lord Kitchener in 1902 during the British Raj. After a two-decade-long legal battle, the state government regained possession of this prestigious property in January 2024. In a cabinet meeting held on Saturday, the state government approved the hiring of a consulting firm to facilitate the leasing of the property. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu ordered the execution of a 2005 arbitration award, which held that the Wildflower Hall, along with the adjacent deodar forest, be handed over to the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) in June 2023. After the state government got back its possession, it has been exploring options to find a suitable partner to run the luxury hotel which will help in revenue generation for the state facing fiscal constraints. The government is keen to attract players from the hospitality industry to lease this prime property, which is currently managed by the Oberoi Group as a world-class high-end resort. The Himachal Government and the East India Hotels Ltd (EIHL) have been embroiled in a bitter legal dispute for almost two decade over control and profit sharing of the colonialera hotel. Even though the state government had expressed its willingness to consider the claim of Oberoi Group for running the property, but it wants that the company should compete with other chain of hotels to get the lease of the Wild Flower Hotel, as the government will be floating global bids. Originally owned by GHM Batten, private secretary of the Earl of Lytton, the building was destroyed in a fire and then Batten reconstructed the building and Lord Kitchner got the lease from him. In 1909 Kitchner went back to England and after which it was sold to a British couple, who demolished the house in 1925 and build a three-storeyed 37 rooms hotel. After independence, this property was taken over by the Centre and there was an agricultural school running from here till 1973. It was then handed over to the HPTDC for running a hotel. The HPTDC built 11 cottages and four rooms, a multipurpose hall and a green room. In 1993, the building was destroyed in a fire. It was then that the state government floated global tenders for running it as a five-star property. It was handed over to the EIHL to manage through a joint venture Mashobra Resorts Limited.
Car falls into gorge in Shimla, two killed
SHIMLA: Two persons were killed on the spot when their car fell into a gorge in Chopal area of Himachal Pradesh's Shimla district, police said on Saturday. The accident took place near Chambi on Chopal-Jhina roadon Friday evening, when the vehicle which was on its way from Chambi to Badlavag fell into a gorge. Locals near the spot heard the sound of the car crashing and informed the police. The deceased were identified as Ramkrishan Sharma and Surjit Singh, both residents of village Baldavag in Chopal, police said. Investigations are underway to find out the cause of the accident, they added.
Himachal Pradesh Accident: 2 Killed After Car Falls Into Gorge In Shimla
The accident took place near Chambi on Chopal-Jhina road on Friday evening.
Himachal's Tourist Hotspots Receives Fresh Snow, Met Department Predicts Thunderstorms Ahead
Isolated places in Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and Chamba districts received snow.
Fresh snowfall in popular tourist towns of Himachal; Met issues thunderstorm warning
Shimla, Feb 5: Fresh snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, with the Met office issuing a yellow alert for thunderstorm and lightning in some districts on Wednesday. Isolated places in Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and Chamba districts received snow. According to the Met office, snowfall was recorded in the famous tourist resort towns of Narkanda and Kufri in Shimla district, Dalhousie in Chamba, and Manali and adjoining areas in Kullu. There were also reports [] The post Fresh snowfall in popular tourist towns of Himachal; Met issues thunderstorm warning appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mild snowfall in higher reaches of Himachal
SHIMLA, Feb 4: The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including the North Portal of Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, received fresh snowfall prompting the police to ask commuters to avoid unnecessary travel as the roads turn slippery and visibility is reduced. Kalpa in Kinnaur district received 0.2 cm of snow. A western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation lies over west Afghanistan and adjoining Iran, which is likely to move east-northeast wards during the next two days, the Met office said. As [] The post Mild snowfall in higher reaches of Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal does not require 153 IAS officers for a population of 70 lakh, says CM
Shimla, Jan 31 (PTI) The Himachal government has decided against inducting new IAS and IPS officers into the state cadre, as the state does not require 153 IAS officers for a population of approximately 70 lakh, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday. Furthermore, the government aims to reduce the number of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, he added in a statement issued here. Talking to the media on the sidelines of a programme in Solan, he mentioned that the state lacks a single international-standard airport and that the entire cost of constructing such an airport should be borne
